From a political standpoint, I think it's extremely "cool" and liberal of msnbc.com to cover John McCain's daughter, Megan in a positive light. We all know MSNBC is not the biggest fan of Republicans or anyone remotely conservative.
However, Megan McCain is writing a book about politics, since her children's book, "My Dad, John McCain," became incredibly successful. She is a proud Republican, but wants to write a book because she has not always fully "fit in" with other members of the party. According to the website, "McCain, an emerging Republican voice, plans to address how the party can change its image, attract younger voters and get them involved, among other topics."
From my perspective, I think it is great that a young person, especially a daughter of a well-known politician, is trying to make the Republican party more moderate while attracting new followers. From a communications standpoint, this article and her motives are great public relations moves for the Republican party, since they felt a great loss of support in the 2009 election of Barack Obama.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Israeli-Palestinian Relations Face Unfair Bias
According to msnbc.com, "An ax-wielding Palestinian militant entered a Jewish settlement in the West Bank on Thursday and went on a rampage, killing an Israeli teenager and wounding a young boy before fleeing the area. Authorities said a manhunt was under way for the assailant, who was believed to have been wounded by security guards...On Wednesday, Netanyahu's foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman, said Israeli concessions to the Palestinians would only bring more war. He also rejected the previous government's peace talks, launched at a U.S.-sponsored conference in 2007."
The story, written by the AP, suggests that Netanyahu and the Israeli government are not working hard enough to achieve peace with the Palestinian nation's government. However, these kind of issues within the Arab-Israeli conflict are not so black and white. Recently in the press, there has been harsher criticism of Israel and its government. Meanwhile, terrorism and fear is still high amongst Israeli Jews. How did this story about a poor boy being axed to death turn into a criticism of Netanyahu anyways? Israelis live each day in fear, as the Palestinians also do, but if one side backs down to the other too soon, it could be the end of each nation as we know it. Both sides have the resources to blow the other to smitherines.
While I agree there should be peace between each other, the media makes it seem much simpler than it actually is. There is truly no right answer to how this conflict should be solved. If there was, the Arab-Israeli conflict would be ancient history. Hopefully, Obama's new agenda of global diplomacy will include peace talks with both sides, creating a safer atmosphere within the borders of Israel.
The story, written by the AP, suggests that Netanyahu and the Israeli government are not working hard enough to achieve peace with the Palestinian nation's government. However, these kind of issues within the Arab-Israeli conflict are not so black and white. Recently in the press, there has been harsher criticism of Israel and its government. Meanwhile, terrorism and fear is still high amongst Israeli Jews. How did this story about a poor boy being axed to death turn into a criticism of Netanyahu anyways? Israelis live each day in fear, as the Palestinians also do, but if one side backs down to the other too soon, it could be the end of each nation as we know it. Both sides have the resources to blow the other to smitherines.
While I agree there should be peace between each other, the media makes it seem much simpler than it actually is. There is truly no right answer to how this conflict should be solved. If there was, the Arab-Israeli conflict would be ancient history. Hopefully, Obama's new agenda of global diplomacy will include peace talks with both sides, creating a safer atmosphere within the borders of Israel.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Obama Making Efforts at Global Diplomacy
Tonight, on the Rachel Maddow Show, Rachel discussed Obama's efforts at new global diplomacy, a diplomacy where no country is excluded. According to the show, the time when the United States and Russia were "enemies" are now over. In addition, Obama plans to work with China to work hand in hand to improve the current economic crisis.
Coincidentally, Rachel interviewed Colin Powell earlier than day, and he was able to share great wisdom on Obama's efforts to spread diplomacy, especially in areas where our reputation has withered away. Powell praised Obama for attempting to improve relations with Afghanistan, despite our failures and war on their soil. He believes that improving relations with the Middle East, with leaders from Afghanistan and Pakistan, is essential, even if they were or still are our enemies.
From a communications standpoint, this story is certainly framed to make Obama and his efforts of diplomacy look good. Although this should be expected from a liberal political analyst, I think Obama is doing a great thing in trying to heal wounds with the Middle East, Russia, and China. Nowadays, everything is global. We can't afford to have enemies around every corner, nor would it help us in any way. Having alliances will also help the current recession by having countries aroumd the world giving ideas and help. Working closely with China and Russia especially is a great step for the United States, and I look forward to seeing our countries accepting one another, rather than feuding with each other.
Coincidentally, Rachel interviewed Colin Powell earlier than day, and he was able to share great wisdom on Obama's efforts to spread diplomacy, especially in areas where our reputation has withered away. Powell praised Obama for attempting to improve relations with Afghanistan, despite our failures and war on their soil. He believes that improving relations with the Middle East, with leaders from Afghanistan and Pakistan, is essential, even if they were or still are our enemies.
From a communications standpoint, this story is certainly framed to make Obama and his efforts of diplomacy look good. Although this should be expected from a liberal political analyst, I think Obama is doing a great thing in trying to heal wounds with the Middle East, Russia, and China. Nowadays, everything is global. We can't afford to have enemies around every corner, nor would it help us in any way. Having alliances will also help the current recession by having countries aroumd the world giving ideas and help. Working closely with China and Russia especially is a great step for the United States, and I look forward to seeing our countries accepting one another, rather than feuding with each other.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
An AIG Exec does the Right Thing?
In a surprising turn of events from a few days ago, an AIG executive vice president of the financial division in New York, Jake DeSantis, is resigning from his position and donating his entire bonus to charity, according to MSNBC. Despite feeling unfairly targeted for his work with the financial products division of the company, he feels the most ethical move is to leave his position with AIG.
According to the MSNBC website, DeSantis said, "We in the financial products unit have been betrayed by AIG and are being unfairly persecuted by elected officials. In response to this, I will now leave the company and donate my entire post-tax retention payment to those suffering from the global economic downturn. My intent is to keep none of the money myself."
DeSantis has worked for AIG for eleven years. He claims he can no longer work in such a crazy environment, and was also not "paid out" to leave the company. According to reports, however, DeSantis has said that he feels betrayed by the new Chairman and CEO of AIG, Edward Liddy, and his lack of reverence for his employees.
In another positive turn of events for AIG and the financial world, New York Attorney General, Andrew Cuomo has revealed that 15 out of the 20 AIG employees who received bonuses have agreed to return them.
Wow. I am so relieved to see some morality from these AIG employees. Although I agree that many of these financial bigwigs are shallow and selfish, I was always certain that were a few good guys in this industry. The media certainly loves talking about the bad apples, rather than praising the good men like DeSantis. One of the main problems with news today is the lack of objectivity, as we have learned in class. The media loves tearing the Madoff's of the world apart, whereas the DeSantis of the world will only get an article or two to shine.
All in all, I am thrilled that there is some good in what's left of Wall Street. Hopefully, as the new economy grows, more and more people like these will repair what has been damaged, and the Madoffs and Fulds of finance will merely become a distant memory.
According to the MSNBC website, DeSantis said, "We in the financial products unit have been betrayed by AIG and are being unfairly persecuted by elected officials. In response to this, I will now leave the company and donate my entire post-tax retention payment to those suffering from the global economic downturn. My intent is to keep none of the money myself."
DeSantis has worked for AIG for eleven years. He claims he can no longer work in such a crazy environment, and was also not "paid out" to leave the company. According to reports, however, DeSantis has said that he feels betrayed by the new Chairman and CEO of AIG, Edward Liddy, and his lack of reverence for his employees.
In another positive turn of events for AIG and the financial world, New York Attorney General, Andrew Cuomo has revealed that 15 out of the 20 AIG employees who received bonuses have agreed to return them.
Wow. I am so relieved to see some morality from these AIG employees. Although I agree that many of these financial bigwigs are shallow and selfish, I was always certain that were a few good guys in this industry. The media certainly loves talking about the bad apples, rather than praising the good men like DeSantis. One of the main problems with news today is the lack of objectivity, as we have learned in class. The media loves tearing the Madoff's of the world apart, whereas the DeSantis of the world will only get an article or two to shine.
All in all, I am thrilled that there is some good in what's left of Wall Street. Hopefully, as the new economy grows, more and more people like these will repair what has been damaged, and the Madoffs and Fulds of finance will merely become a distant memory.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Dow goes up, Republicans Still Disapprove of Stimulus Bill
Tonight on, "The Rachel Maddow Show," Rachel discussed the current state of the economy and Obama's budget plan with politician Sherrod Brown. As a direct, yet indirect result of the revelation of Geithner's new bank plan, the Dow surged about 500 points. Despite the recent improvements in our frazzled economy, there are, of course, many who do not approve with the current administration's economic plan.
Anyone want to take a wild guess of who these fellows are? Across the nation, Republican politicians are still denouncing the budget plan. Some Governors are even going as far as refusing to accept money from the national stimulus bill.
Although I don't fully agree with Obama's economic positions and current plan, and can certainly resonate with Republicans on some of these iffy issues, I don't think they have the right to be this judgemental...yet. Yes, the stimulus plan may fail. And yes, raising taxes on America's highest wage earners during a recession is kind of hypocritical. But so far, Obama and his cabinet are working tirelessly to help all Americans. This is not a proper time to be picky, especially when Bush, a Republican president, plummaged our country into debt and the current recession.
If in six months nothing has improved, by all means, skeptical Republicans, please come out on the record and say, "I told you so." But for now, just sit back, relax, and watch Bill O'Reilly.
Anyone want to take a wild guess of who these fellows are? Across the nation, Republican politicians are still denouncing the budget plan. Some Governors are even going as far as refusing to accept money from the national stimulus bill.
Although I don't fully agree with Obama's economic positions and current plan, and can certainly resonate with Republicans on some of these iffy issues, I don't think they have the right to be this judgemental...yet. Yes, the stimulus plan may fail. And yes, raising taxes on America's highest wage earners during a recession is kind of hypocritical. But so far, Obama and his cabinet are working tirelessly to help all Americans. This is not a proper time to be picky, especially when Bush, a Republican president, plummaged our country into debt and the current recession.
If in six months nothing has improved, by all means, skeptical Republicans, please come out on the record and say, "I told you so." But for now, just sit back, relax, and watch Bill O'Reilly.
A-Rod: The Eliot Spitzer of Sports
For some reason, a top story today on msnbc.com reveals that Yankees baseball player, Alex Rodriguez, has been linked to a madam that has previously claimed to work with shamed New York Governor, Eliot Spitzer. Allegedly, a then-married A-Rod "dated" a few prostitutes in madam, Kristin Davis' brothel, along with the buxom madam herself. Davis said, "In regard to Alex, all I can say is our paths have crossed personally and professionally."
Is this really front page news?
For some reason lately, it seems as if the media is all over, er, "sexually active" high-profile men and their extramarital escapades. While this is certainly entertainment, is this really newsworthy for MSNBC? It's bad enough that hormones have ended Spitzer's political career and Rodriguez's marriage. Let us also not forget that Rodriguez was recently dumped by Madonna for an 18 year-old model named Jesus. Jesus, indeed.
While I recently posted about Bristol Palin, that somehow pertains to politics, and therefore should be covered by MSNBC. However, isn't this kind of story more of a juicy "National Enquirer" or E! Entertainment story? Why is the line between politics and entertainment so blurred nowadays? It seems that politicians are treated as celebrities and celebrities face politician levels of criticism and Hester Prynne-esque debate by the public.
Should A-Rod be written about this much? Should we give these guys a break? Or is all of this public scrutiny warranted?
Is this really front page news?
For some reason lately, it seems as if the media is all over, er, "sexually active" high-profile men and their extramarital escapades. While this is certainly entertainment, is this really newsworthy for MSNBC? It's bad enough that hormones have ended Spitzer's political career and Rodriguez's marriage. Let us also not forget that Rodriguez was recently dumped by Madonna for an 18 year-old model named Jesus. Jesus, indeed.
While I recently posted about Bristol Palin, that somehow pertains to politics, and therefore should be covered by MSNBC. However, isn't this kind of story more of a juicy "National Enquirer" or E! Entertainment story? Why is the line between politics and entertainment so blurred nowadays? It seems that politicians are treated as celebrities and celebrities face politician levels of criticism and Hester Prynne-esque debate by the public.
Should A-Rod be written about this much? Should we give these guys a break? Or is all of this public scrutiny warranted?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
AIG Continues Quest to be the Greediest and Shadiest of them all
According to msnbc.com, Obama, along with the Federal Reserve, knew about AIG's plans to distribute bonuses to "top" employees in one of its troubled offices. Apparently, AIG executives informed politicians in Washington approximately three months ago on its plans to give 165 million dollars in bonuses. Now, because of the state of the economy, praised employees are facing pressure from the public and Obama's administration to return the bonus money.
Many Washington politicians are stunned and upset that Secretary of the Treasury, Timothy Geithner, somehow did not know about this bonus business. He is claiming this whole mess to be a "miscommunication." A lot of pressure is being placed on Geithner because of his focal role in bailing out AIG this past fall. Many are suspicious of him and his ties with AIG because of him somehow missing the memo that bailout money was being turned into bonuses.
According to the site, "Democrats and Republicans in Congress are increasingly questioning how Geithner could not have known about the bonuses, given his past role in AIG's bailout, which has totaled more than $170 billion. 'I'm sick and tired of hearing the administration and the Secretary of the Treasury say, 'I just found out about it,' 'Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski (D-Pa.) said yesterday."
However, Geithner claims that he was focused on saving the American economy, and is not responsible to check every move made by AIG or any other corporation who received bailout money. Himself and other high-up officials are also shocked in how the bonuses have been perceived by the media and the general public, and did not expect the "political firestorm" that eventually developed.
Shady. Shady. Shady.
It seems as if every week, another story pops up on MSNBC about corporate companies giving out bonuses with bailout money. These financial bigwigs have no respect, and have clearly lost their perception of ethics as their bank accounts became stuffed with more cash. They should be happy they didn't fully destroy their company, like their colleagues at what used to be Bear Stearns. Hopefully the money given in bonuses will return to the proper hands and go where it was intended to: to rebuild AIG.
Many Washington politicians are stunned and upset that Secretary of the Treasury, Timothy Geithner, somehow did not know about this bonus business. He is claiming this whole mess to be a "miscommunication." A lot of pressure is being placed on Geithner because of his focal role in bailing out AIG this past fall. Many are suspicious of him and his ties with AIG because of him somehow missing the memo that bailout money was being turned into bonuses.
According to the site, "Democrats and Republicans in Congress are increasingly questioning how Geithner could not have known about the bonuses, given his past role in AIG's bailout, which has totaled more than $170 billion. 'I'm sick and tired of hearing the administration and the Secretary of the Treasury say, 'I just found out about it,' 'Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski (D-Pa.) said yesterday."
However, Geithner claims that he was focused on saving the American economy, and is not responsible to check every move made by AIG or any other corporation who received bailout money. Himself and other high-up officials are also shocked in how the bonuses have been perceived by the media and the general public, and did not expect the "political firestorm" that eventually developed.
Shady. Shady. Shady.
It seems as if every week, another story pops up on MSNBC about corporate companies giving out bonuses with bailout money. These financial bigwigs have no respect, and have clearly lost their perception of ethics as their bank accounts became stuffed with more cash. They should be happy they didn't fully destroy their company, like their colleagues at what used to be Bear Stearns. Hopefully the money given in bonuses will return to the proper hands and go where it was intended to: to rebuild AIG.
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